Mechanism for releasing bombs or other articles from aircraft



F. H. PAGE. ME CHANISM FOR RELEASING BOMBS OR OTHER ARTICLES FROM AIRCRAFT. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 30, 1919.

1,357,650 Patented 2, 15320.

2 M G A 2 M f 6 A if A 4 if S Q A T A 6 \5,

A 2 G v \3 f w F. H. PAGE. MECHANISM FOR RELEASING BOMBS OR OTHER ARTICLES FROM AIRCRAFT.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. so. 1919.

1,357,65Q Patented Nov. 2, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- ,FREDERICK HANDLEY PAGE, OF LONDON, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR T0 HANDLEY PAGE LIMITED, OF CRICKLEWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 2, 1920.

Application filed September 30, 1919. Serial No. 327,519.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK HANDLEY PAGE, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at London, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mechanism for Releasing Bombs or other. Articles from Aircraft, of which the following is a specification.

This invention refers to mechanism for releasing packages, bombs, or other articles (hereinafter termed packages) from aircraft.

The invention hereafter described particularly relates to new or improved release mechanism, operating in such manner that when a number of packages are arranged or carried. in a plurality of series or rows, the several packages comprised in a first series may be released either singly when desired or the whole or part of the series released consecutively in quick succession, such release in quick succession, when bombs are dealt with, constituting a salvo of the bombs comprised in that particular series, the mechanism so acting, that when the packages in the first series have been released as aforesaid, the packages comprised in the second series can then be released either singly, or consecutively in quick succession, and so on throughout any number of series.

Now according to the present invention the new or improved mechanism before mentioned comprises a self-contained automatic selective apparatus which can readily be fixed in position adjacent to the several series of packages the release of which is to be controlled, and a single connection, such as a cable for instance, extends from such selective apparatus to a single control lever or handle mounted near the operator, such single connection being fitted however many packages or series of packages are to be released or whatever may be the distance between the control lever and the package release gear. The control lever or handle -may have either a radial or a linear to and fro motion and may be moved in its opera tive direction step by step.

Assuming that the packages are held suspended in a plurality of series, of any four packages in each series, each series has a release device of any suitable or known construction which is preferably of slip or slide character, a complete movement of which will release all the packages ofthat series in quick succession, or a step by-step movement of which Will release the packages of that series singly, and all the release devices are mdependently connected to the selective apparatus. Thus in a magazine of twentyfour bombs'or packages, six series, each contaming four packages, might be arranged in slx separate rows which might be parallel to each other, and the release device for each row of packages is then provided with a connection, which may be composed by a flexible cable, the six release cables extending to the selective apparatus.

The selective apparatus comprises movable members equal in number to the number of series of packages, the cable extending from each release device being connected to its own movable member of the selective apparatus. The selective apparatus comprises also an operating member, connected by a flexible cable or the like to the control lever or handle adjacent to the operator.

The operating member of the selective apparatus and the movable members thereof are constructed, so that they are in such cooperative relation, that when the control lever or handle is advanced in one direction, the operating member of the selective apparatus engages the movable member connected to the release device of one series of the packages, and if the control lever is moved step by step in any four stages through its limit movement, the four packages of the first series will be dropped one at each stage of the step by step movement of the control lever, or if the control lever is advanced throughout its limit motion at one stroke, the four packages of the first series will be released consecutively but in quick succession.

After such a motion, the control lever returns by spring action to its original position, as also does the operating member of the selective apparatus, and the selective mechanism then assumes automatically a position such that the next operation of the control lever, through the selectiveapparatus, will release either individually or in quick succession the next series of packages,

according as to whether the control lever is moved in its operative direction by a step by step motion, or moved throughout its limit motion at one stroke.

. The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1- is a diagram illustrating in plan view a convenient general arrangement of release mechanism according to this invention for the various series of packages indicated, and which will be'hereafter described.

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section showingthe selective apparatus, drawn to a larger scale than the similar apparatus indicated at Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a horizontal section with the portion termed the operating member removed.

Fig. 4 is an inverted plan view of the operating member removed from its case. I

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 show three of the movable members of the selective apparatus in elevation and removed from the case, and Fig. 8 is a right-hand end elevation of the apparatus shown at Fig. 2. I

9 is a diagram view of a possible construction of a bomb or package release device, which is shown and will be further described in order to facilitate a ready application of the invention, although it will be obvious that many well-known release devices of this character may be employed, such not forming an essential feature of the invention.

Considering a general application of the invention 'as illustrated by the diagram at Fig. 1, there is fixed in the fuselage or other convenient part of the framework of the aircraft, a carrying framework 1 to which are suspended, as shown in the diagram twentyfour packages or bombs represented by the circles marked 2, of which packages 2 there are four in each of the six series. The packages are suspended in the frame work 1 so that when released they will fall by gravity, and the means of suspension is such that upon slides such as 3, receiving endwise motion, the packages 2 will be consecutively released.

Each slide has fixed to its end a flexible cable 4, which cables 4 in the diagram pass over pulleys 5, in cases where it is convenient to change their direction, and the cables 4 are connected to movablemembers contained in a selective apparatus 6 which latter is indicated in the diagram and which will be hereafter specifically described.

Connected to an operating member 7 with- 1n the case of the selective apparatus is a single operating cable 8, which extends to a control lever or handle 9, Fig. 1, the operative movement of which is in the direction of the arrow, and the control lever 9 is convenicntly moved in relation to a stationary sector 9 which may be marked to indicate a number of positions of the control lever, at which positions one of the packages in a series will be released. Obviously the sector 9 may have ratchet-teeth and the lever be fitted with a releasable pawl to engage 1 control lever 9, through its limit distance,

will consecutively release the packages of the next series, and so on.

The construction of the selective app'aratus 6, Fig. 1, is shown in detail at Figs. 2 to 8 which. will now be referred to.

Within a casing 10 a suitable number of movable members, six in the example shown, are mounted, consisting of bars 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 arranged side by side in the base of the case and capable of independent longitudinal sliding movements through the end of the said case, from right to left in the example illustrated, the rear end, that is the right-hand end of the drawing, of each bar being connected respectively to the cables 4, and thereby to that particular release device 3, see Fig. 1, which is to be operated through the medium of that bar. What has above been termed the operating member 7 of the selective apparatus is a sliding member carried in guides in the case 10 and capable of receiving endwise sliding movement in the same direction as the bars 11 to 16 below it.

The forward end of the member 7 is connected by a single cable 8 (or other connection) to the control lever 9 as previously stated, and the member 7 is controlled by a spring 17 against the action of which the member 7 is moved by the control lever 9 when carrying out its effective action, and upon the release of the said control lever, the member 7 and the said lever 9, by the action of the spring 17, resume their rest positions.

Beneath the member 7, and carried thereby, is a pivoted pawl 18 the acting end of which is of sufficient width, see Fig. 4, to extend over all the bars 11 to 16 beneath it.

' Each bar on its upper edge is formed with a ratchet tooth 19, the teeth being arranged so that when the bars are at rest as at Figs. 2 and 3, the tooth 19 of one bar is slightly in advance of the tooth 19 of the next bar, and so on, and the tooth 19 of the first bar 11 is in such a position that when the member 7 is brought into action the pawl 18 will engage the tooth 19 of the rest bar 11, and

the bar 11 will follow the motion of the,

, ment given to the control lever 9.

As the first bar approaches the end of its travel, a projection 20, Figs. 2, 3 and 5, on

the said first bar 11 engages a shoulder '21 on the second bar 12, and moves the second bar 12 a short distance so as to bring its ratchet tooth 19 in position to. be engaged by the pawl 18 of the member 7 at the next operative movement of the member 7, and soon, so that with each operative movement of the member 7 one bar will be acted upon.

The bars 11 to 16 in their operative travel are moved against the action of the springs 22, Fig. 1, of the release device 3.

A pivot 23, Fig. 2, is carried on the under side of the case 10 of the selective apparatus, upon which are mounted a series of spring 'pawls 24, Figs. 2 and 8, one to coact with each bar 11 to 16, and the under edges of said bars have ratchet teeth 25, Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 7, formed in them, each bar generally having such teeth in accordance with the number of packages controlled by that bar, so that as the bars are drawn out in succession from the case they are retained in their outward position. Also each bar 12 to 16, is formed with a ratchet tooth 25 with which the pawl 24 coacting with. that particular bar engages to retain said bar in a that position in which the pawl 18 will en-' gage the tooth 19 of the bar at the next operation.

- tion, and therefore should the retaining pawls 24 of the bars 11 to 16 be accidentally released, the latter in flying back, due to the tension of the springs 22, Fig. 1 will not be suddenly brought up by the pawl 18 of the member 7.

In order to explain the operation of the mechanism it will be assumed, by way of example, that each package or bomb 2 is, as at Fig. 9, provided with a suspensory loop 28 which is engaged by a member 29 mounted on a pivot 30 carried by a.frame or the like 31 which is fixed to the carrying framework 1, Fig. 1, in any suitable manner.

The member 29 which engages the loop 28 of the package 2 by means of a tooth on one side of its pivot 30, is engaged upon the opposite side of the pivot 30 by a looking plate 32 pivoted at 33 on the frame 31. The locking plate 32 has an upward projection 34 passing through a slot 35 in the slide 3, so that when the slide 3 is moved in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 9, the

locking plate 32 will be rocked and the package 2 released.

It will now be understood that-When the control lever 9, Fig. 1, is rocked in the lever 9 will communicate a sliding motion to that release slide 3 with which the particular bar 11 to 16 is in engagement, and the packages in that series will be consecutively released, or will be released one after the other in any desired order according to the construction of the release slide 3.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In mechanism for releasing packages from aircraft in which said packages are carried in a plurality ofseparate series; the combination of a separate supporting and releasing device for each series of packages each said device adapted to successively release the series of packages it supports at each complete operation, a separate automatic selective apparatus comprising independent movable members, connections one extending from each of said release devices to each of said independent movable members, an operating member located in said selective apparatus adapted at each operative motion to engage and give movement to one after the other of said independent movable members of said selective apparatus, a control lever adjacent to the operator, and a single connection from said control lever to said operating member of said selective apparatus to communicate a movementto said operating member at each complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the first series, and at the next complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the next series and so on.

2. In mechanism for releasing packages from aircraft in which said packages are carried in a plurality of separate series; the combination of a separate supporting and releasing device for each series of packages each said device adapted to successively release the series of packages it supports at each complete. operation, a separate automatic selective apparatus comprising a casing, independent slidable members corresponding in number to the number of said release devices and located within said casing. connections one extending from each of said release devices to each of said slidable members, a slidable operating member in said cate a movement to said slidable operating member at each complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the package of the first series and at the next complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the next series and so on.

3. In mechanism for releasing packages from aircraft in which said packages are carried in a plurality of separate series; the combination of a separate supporting and releasing device for each series of packages each said device adapted to successively release the series of packages it supports at each complete operation, aseparate automatic selective apparatus comprising a casing, independent slidable members corresponding in number to the number of said release devices and located within said casing, connections one extending from each of said release devices to each of said slidable members, means for resiliently retaining each independent slidable member and the release device to which it is connected in its position of rest, a slidable operating member in said casing, means for resiliently retaining said operating member in its IBSlQPOSltlOIl, means whereby said slidable operating member at each of its operative movements engages and gives movement to one after the other of said independent slidable members, a pawl and ratchet device to retain said resiliently 'controlled independent slidable members in the positions in which they have been so placed, a control lever adjacent the operator, and a single connection from said control lever to said slidable operating member of said selective apparatus to communicate a movement to said slidable operating member at each complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the first series and at the next complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the next series and so on. I A;

4. In mechanism for releasing packages from aircraft in which said packages are carried in a plurality of separate series;the

combination of a separate supporting and releasing device for each series of packages each said device adapted to successively release the series of packages it supports at each complete operation, a separate automatic selective apparatus located at a distance from said releasing devices and comprising independent movable members, flexfrom aircraft in which said packages are ible connections one extending from each of said release devices to each of said independent movable members, an operating member located in said selective apparatus adapted at each operative motion to engage and give movement to one after the other of said independent movablemembers of said selective apparatus, a control lever adjacent the operator and a single fiexibleconnection from said control lever to said operating member of said selective apparatus to communicate a movement to said operating member at each complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the first series, and at the next complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the next series and so on.

5. In mechanism for releasing packages carried in a plurality of separate series; the combination of a separate supporting and releasing device for each series of packages each said device adapted to successively release the series of packages it supports at each complete operation, a separate automatic selective apparatus comprising a casing, independent slidable members corresponding in number to the number of said release devices and located within said casing, connections one extending from each of said release devices to each of said slidable members, a slidable operating member in said casing, a pivoted pawl on the underside of said-slidable operating memberto successively engage the independent slidable members at each operative movement of said operating member, a stationary cam on said casing adapted to hold said pawl out of action when the said slidable operating member is in its rest position, a projection on each of said independent slidable members whereby at the end of the stroke of one independent slidable member the next adjacent independent slidable member is brought into position for engagement with said op erating member at its next operative movement, a control lever adjacent the operator and a single connection from said control lever to said slidable operating member of said selective apparatus to communicate a movement to said slidable operating member at each complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the first series and at the next complete movement of said control lever to release in succession the packages of the next series and so on.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two witnesses.

FREDERICK HANDLEY PAGE.

E. C. WALKER. 

